My boss came to me and said she can't handle the work load anymore and wants to quit.

My boss came to me and said she can't handle the work load anymore and wants to quit. I said if you go, I go (I'm her 2nd in command). I immediately applied for a new job and got it. It is a 20K pay raise. Now she is begging me to stay. I feel bad about her job becoming even more stressful by me leaving, but I only looked for a new job because she stated she wanted to leave. Thoughts?

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

97 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    Do what is best for you! With the inflation and chaos going on; better to have more savings...

  2. Anonymous

    Don't stay for her. You can stay if there are other good reasons, but it sounds like you were ready to move on too. Maybe you can volunteer to help her find a better job?

  3. Miranda Mercrury

    I have definitely thought about trying to find a way for her to get a position where I will be.

  4. Looking for a change

    That raise sounds like a good bargaining tool can you say you’d be open to stay if they can match that offer? Assuming that you want to stay of course

  5. Joshua Cordero

    Do right by you first.

  6. Anonymous

    People say they're going to quit all the time, just like people say they're going to sue all the time. It's the boy who cried wolf. They seldom follow through. Just idle threats to blow off steam and pretend to be decisive in control people who are actually controlling their lives rather than the reality of scare scared out if their minds.

    I would take care of yourself and so what's best for you, your family and career.

    You can certainly stay supportive and be a good friend but your leaving might be the just tge thing to get her moving as well. Be an example of independence and initiative and enjoy your new job.

    At the end of the day you are responsible for your own life not an enabler for someone else

  7. Amy

    Well done! I agree with the other posters, lots of people say they are going to leave, but then don't. Good on you for taking immediate action and scoring a higher rate! I am sure there is more to the story, but I would take the new job. Maybe you will find a position there for her. Good luck with your decision.

  8. Julie Humbird

    Congrats! It's hard leaving friends behind BUT it's not fair for her to beg you to stay... especially when you will be paid more. Encourage her to do as you did and offer her a solid reference.

  9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    So what happens if you turn down this great offer and your boss leaves in two months?
    Then YOU'RE stuck with all the work.

    I promise you, neither your boss nor your team members have ever, WILL ever say "gee, I'd love to take this great new job, but I would feel so guilty leaving Miranda."

    Never. Going. To. Happen.

    They'll get over it. Trust me on that.

    Do you know how long it would take you to get that $20k raise at your current company? Likely many years. You just gave yourself a big bump in what you'll likely earn for the rest of your career. I would be very leery of your company trying to counter offer - more money is not going to change the job.

    Do NOT let any of this bother you or give it one single second more of bandwidth in your brain. Forget about it - don't look back, use your energy to look forward to the exciting new opportunity you have in front of you. Your responsibility is to do what is best for you and your career.

    GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW ADVENTURE!!!!!!

  10. Miranda Mercrury

    Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.

  11. Ria

    Wish I could like your post 10x ....well said

  12. Becca A.

    Well said!

  13. Maggie Stone

    This is an excellent point. Would the loyalty and friendship be there if the tables were turned? Doubtful

  14. Heather Bingham

    I think you just owe her thanks for the push, and nothing more. Do not feel bad that you responded to her stimulus and she has subsequently had a change of heart. Perhaps she can thank you in a few months' time that you were the catalyst to her moving to a happier place, with an increased salary. Honestly, it doesn't sound like you should either change your plans or reproach yourself for going. Your conscience should be clear.

  15. Kat

    Congrats on finding a new job with a nice raise! Maybe this will be the push your boss needs to move on herself. Don't let her hold you back from doing something that will be good for you. If the situation were reversed, do you think she'd say "I got this great offer, but I'm turning it down for you"? I doubt it. Move forward & see if you can help her get a job at the new place you're going to.

  16. Barb Hansen

    If your company had to make cuts and your position was on the chopping block, your boss would lay you off.
    Why? because that's her job. Would she personally be bothered that you were losing your job? Perhaps, but that would not stop the company from laying you off.

    Your job is do the work that you are paid to do for a company while you build a career that works for you and your family. If your career path takes you away from this company, so be it.

    I think Heather Bingham's comment below is spot on.

  17. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.L

    You have to do what's best for you. Honestly, I have never stayed on a job because of a boss, or it was easier or a happier place. In most cases, people leave for their passion or to make more money. A 20K pay raise sounds wonderful. If you go and do not like the new job, hopefully, your boss will allow you to return. If your job was laying off or if they offered a position paying 20K there, would your boss recommend you or lay you off.

  18. Anonymous

    Hold your ground and do what's best for you. A 20k increase is nothing to sneeze at

  19. Anonymous

    I would Leave,. Your career journey is about you, not someone else. If there is a friendship there at all, she would not try to hold you back bc of her circumstance. If the shoe was on the other foot would you try to convince her not to leave? Be careful to not be so reactive bc of someone else experience. This ironically worked to your advantage so take it. Also her misery could have trickled down to your level eventually depending on your dynamics of the dept. she should be happy for you not trying to deter you

  20. Anonymous

    Do they have something for your boss that she could apply for? Or maybe you know other people that she could get in touch with. You have to take care of yourself, but it won't hurt to extend your helping hand.

  21. Anonymous

    I am a CEO of a large company and would like to add that no matter how close I am to my COO or CFO there needs to be propriety in conversation at all times. In other words, I would never share my intentions in a haphazard way. My intentions are clearly stated so they can not be misconstrued. That’s being a vision making CEO or boss or leader on a company. All bosses should leave their haphazard, emoting thoughts at the door when entering the office. You can share all these with your partner, parent or sibling or non co-worker friend. If your boss tells you she’s even thinking of leaving she’s not “directing the ship” like a great captain would through rough seas! So, it is not your fault that you jumped to take another job. Please don’t feel bad leaving. What you can do is privately tell her to keep private thoughts private to her second in command next time to save this from happening again. You can be really close to someone in the office and show it and still keep propriety. That’s how it’s done in great bosses.

  22. Maggie Stone

    I have to agree.
    It may not have been appropriate for her to vent to you.

  23. Ayian

    Okay, so what I heard is that to keep you, they need to give you a 20k raise and get your boss another person to delegate to. Go to your boss with that and ask for a meeting with her and the person or persons who make organizational decisions. The two of you together make a stronger case than either of you alone.

    Otherwise, nice job on the new position, congrats!!

  24. Rynn Strange

    I left a position with an e-publishing company because my direct report and I couldn't seem to jive. I took a huge leap of faith and quit without a job waiting for me, planning to take a month before taking a new job. I saw her in the grocery store about two weeks later, and she took me by the shoulders, looked me in the eye, and said, "I wish I had the guts to do what you did." At no point prior to my leaving did she even hint at being unhappy. Yes, there must be propriety in business conversations.

  25. Anonymous

    You have to do what is best for you - if you are excited about the new job, go for it! Things will probably not improve much at your current situation and who's to say that your boss won't consider leaving in a few weeks or months. You can't rely on or be too loyal to one person.

  26. ReachingGoals

    Hmmm, I would take the pay raise and new job. Who is to say that she convinces you to stay then leaves in a few weeks? You have to take care of you. And congratulations on getting such a good offer!

  27. Anonymous

    You don’t owe her anything, I would put in my 2 weeks notice and tell her to leave too.

  28. Anonymous

    Very true.

  29. Tara Stepanian

    While you can choose to be empathetic, you need to make yourself the priority. This has all the hallmarks of not ending well.

  30. Anonymous

    I was in the very same situation- TWICE! Two different people/companies. First time-I declined new job and my boss ended up leaving 2 months later. I was stuck for almost a year trying to get out. Second time-was just 4 months ago. I didn't hesitate and I learned my lesson from the first time. Don't become the "venting station" and get left overwhelmed. At the end of the work day- it is all about you taking care of you and your house. 20k is a great increase. If you are more than coworkers she will understand and you both will move on to being happier in your jobs.

  31. Anonymous

    Truth is, I had this experience last night. I work retail part-time. I was surprised to hear that one of the supervisors said quite casually that she hates her job.

    I am not exactly fond of the job I have considering that the management has been on me lately. Yet, I would not verbally say "I would hate my job."

    I think you just need to do what is best for you.

  32. Anonymous

    I think sometimes managers might pretend to vent so that they may think you would naturally feel the same way that they feel. If they think you are being negative they would pretend to verbalize or say a similar expression. It is sort of a trick in a way to write you up.

  33. Karen Burke

    You got a job that is better for you in general. You may like your boss, but her happiness and career path is not your responsibility. If she wants to leave, then she should start taking action like you did.

  34. Paula Manczuk-Hannay

    Go to the new job with a clear conscience. It’s that simple. Congratulations!

  35. Crystal Howell

    Do You and leave! Congrats on your self-promotion.

    If she wasn't smart enough to do the same, oh well

    Spend it wisely, need a home let me know, lol

    I fund in multiple states.

  36. Miranda Mercrury

    Lol, good marketing. I just bought home though.

  37. Leticia V Zamora

    Congratulations on your new opportunity, your boss will be fine.

  38. Melissa Nobile

    Run! Get out now while you can. She will do what she needs to do.

  39. Anonymous

    You're doing nothing wrong! Two things. Either 1) you don't owe your boss a thing - people come and go all the time. Or 2) you and your boss are friends outside of work, then your friend should be happy for you that you got an awesome, better-paying opportunity. Absolutely go for it!!! Congrats!!!

  40. Hameed Mirzad

    Don't tell people your plans. They will sabotage you.

  41. Shelby C

    CONGRATULATIONS! Go for it and don't look back!

    If you want to think of it from a shear economic perspective, I am often telling ladies on here that we are turning down money that will effect our earning potential for our lifetime and robbing our retirement funds in the meantime. We aren't insisting upon our worth! Maybe this will help:

    $20,000 annually is

    $1,667 monthly

    at a 5% annual raise over

    $251,608 - 10 years

    $431,568 - 15 years

    $661,451 - 20 years, but then...

    $954,753 - 25 years

    $1,022,474 - 26 years

    If you walk away, and you work another twenty-six years, you're potentially leaving 1 Million in earning potential over the next on the table.

    She's manipulating you. If she really cared about what is best for you - as opposed to her - she would be excited for you. Are you supposed to wait around until she changes her mind (again)? What possible good thing could come from you staying? If she thought that you should stay, she should've done what I've previously done and said something to this effect:

    Miranda, I'm extremely proud of the growth that you've made professionally since we've worked together and I'd like to think I played a small piece in your success. You're a rising star in this company; however, my star is about to burn out here. It's becoming more dim by the day. Since I have so much respect for you personally and professionally, I wanted you to know it's time for me to move on and explore my options working at XYZ. I am going to recommend that you replace me upon my departure; however, since I will no longer be here I won't have as much input.

    That's how a boss leaves and is supportive when there is justification for you to stay. Otherwise, it's likely self-serving and temporary.

  42. Anonymous

    Should be no question. Take the new job and don’t look back. It’s a JOB. She’s your boss. Not your friend!

  43. Mhairi Dunn

    Take the £20k increment and don’t look back. Don’t get too close to people you work with like that in future, be loyal in

    the role but not to the extent you would leave for them - look out for you 1st and foremost. Good luck in your new role!!!

  44. Beth Gray

    You need to look out for you. She would have left in a heartbeat and not looked back. You need to do the same.

  45. Anonymous

    If she didn't want you to start looking she shouldn't have said anything in the first place. If you would like to take the new job, take the new job.

  46. Kelley

    She essentially did this to herself. If she didn’t intend to leave, she shouldn’t have said anything. At this point I would say to encourage her to do what you’re doing and seek new employment. Perhaps you can both leave and be happier and paid better.

  47. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CP

    You have to do what’s best for you. She told you she was going to leave but you found a new job first. If the tables were turned, would she change her mind? And when she does find a new job, how fast will she jump ship? If you are unhappy where you are currently working and you have a new career opportunity with an increase in salary, seems likes an easy decision. Don’t let other people hold you back. Perhaps you can come up with an off boarding plan with your boss. And your boss also needs to speak up (assuming she’s not the owner of the organization), to her superior that she’s struggling. Good companies will work with their employees when they need it the most. Good luck!

  48. Vesela Krasteva

    If you like the new job take it. If she said once she wants to quit, then she will even of it is not right now. A manager should be able to justify the need for more resources if the workload is not managable for her and her team. And if she is overworked but her team is not heavily loaded then she needs to learn to delegate. Both are not your problem.

  49. Joanna Poe

    Ask yourself, realistically, would SHE stay for YOU? Can she come up with the extra salary? Don't stay; encourage her to leave too.

  50. Bernadette M Martinez

    If she's the only thing keeping you there, you don't seem like you think it's a good environment for you anyway.

    I understand you feel guilty about leaving her, but she's also looking for something else (or should be). You can't deny yourself opportunities just because others haven't found one for themselves.

    Take the job and encourage her to leave. If she decided to not search because she's comfortable, maybe your leaving will be the kick she needs.

  51. Merideth Erickson

    That’s a significant raise and a solid career move for you.

    I’d do a Pro/Con list if you’re really torn. One thing a mentor told me once was “you’re loyal to everyone but yourself, do you know who’s loyal to you?” Do you think she’s going to flip flop on you again?

  52. Miranda Mercrury

    Good point! I am definitely one who is loyal to others.

  53. Janice Kall

    Do what is best for you. I would leave and don't look back.

  54. Tangier Cullens

    Unless she’s offering to allow you to also control her future without regard for what’s best for her and her loved ones’ well-being. As a fair trade she can also allow you to sabotage her upward career trajectory? Wait, unless this is the love of your life and you’re also going to be together for life? Why would you even question another person’s needs over your own unless it’s your offspring or life partner? Whose credit score impacted if thigns go south? Hers? And most importantly is the fact that no manager worth their weight would’ve even had the convo with a direct report. What she wanted you to do was say you’ll do you job AND hers to make her stay. I’m back at-is this a romantic entanglement or professional one? Nonsense.

  55. Tangier Cullens

    Please forgive thhe typos! On my phone…

  56. Miranda Mercrury

    You put it into perspective for me. I didn't realize that this sounded like a romantic entanglement (lol) or high school girl "because everyone is doing it". It is neither situation, but me having a kind heart and wanting to please others instead of pleasing myself.

  57. Melissa Verdoni

    20K is a HUGE amount ,, why is this even a question ???? it DOESN'T matter what she wants,,, she was gonna leave

  58. Anne Krook

    Go! You need to do what helps you. She would not stay for your sake if she got the job and a $20K raise

  59. Anonymous

    Congratulations to you! That seems like you got an unexpected hint, which enabled you to discover something really great for you. Remember that your boss might leave at any point - whether you stay or not. She might become super discouraged later on - with you there or not, and she might leave. The rule of thumb we all know is - best not to accept a role or even stay in a role just because of a supervisor - because this could change at any moment. Best of luck to you!

  60. Anonymous

    Congratulations to you and TAKE IT! You are in charge of your career and you need to look out for yourself. As the first line manager it is her responsibility to manage the workload if you leave and you will no doubt be happier. In the Fed Govt, there is a huge deficit of administrative professionals at all grade levels and the workload is intense. If my Deputy found another position, I would be happy for her and support her all the way! Take it and RUN!

  61. Miranda Mercrury

    Working at the federal level would be a dream job. I'm currently in state government. Any insights for me? The federal application is so daunting.

  62. Erica Mitchell

    You should do what's best for your career and future! Never stay somewhere just because someone doesn't want you to leave.

  63. Susan Robles

    Congratulations! Leave. I bet she'd be gone faster than you can blink. Did you see Saving Private Ryan? Tom Hanks as the leader listens to the gripes and pains of his subordinates, but doesn't share his troubles or issues downward. He was a leader.

  64. Miranda Mercrury

    I didn't even think of Saving Private Ryan in that manner. Thanks for the perspective.

  65. Sue Gordon- retired Career Coach

    Leave. She wants to. She will and you have a good opportunity now. She shouldn't have told you before she was certain. Her bad, not yours.

  66. Anonymous

    Congratulations! I would probably leave. Your boss more than likely is going to, leaving you with all the work. She probably just doesn't want you to leave now and beat her to it / get all your work.

  67. Anonymous

    She shared her frustrations/vented to you, but you took action based on the fact you like the job, but you like working for her more. So if she were gone, you didn't want to stay or would you? You chose to be proactive and found a job and one that will pay you $20,000 more. I am sorry she hasn't found something and feels so overwhelmed and instead of telling you congratulations she is laying a guilt trip on you.

  68. Anonymous

    Very true.

  69. Audrey Kirsch

    I work with 2 people on my team that claim they want to leave but I see no action toward that goal. Sometimes people just vent their frustrations but are in no hurry to remedy the situation. You took her at her word and acted based on that. You stumbled into a better situation. Nothing to be sorry about. The workload may get worse for your boss, but delegation is a part of a boss's job. If she can't find someone to take your work, then the overload may just be the thing that gets her to get it into gear and find another position elsewhere like you did.

  70. JJ

    Nope. That’s what she gets and you deserve a 20k upgrade.

  71. Teenie

    20K is a substantial pay raise. My question and advice to you is to define what success means to you.

    If being in a trusty team is top - remember teams may change. Who's to say the manager won't leave.

    If money is also important, it seems to me you may need to accept some change is always needed (unless of course they match your salary).

    Power to you if your firm values loyalty, many firms are ok to spend $ on hiring rather than retain their staff.

  72. SLT

    You looked and found something! Congratulations! Id move on

  73. dori mondon

    It sounds brutal but her work/life balance is not your responsibility. If she's begging you to stay she can give you a 20k raise and if not she should understand the reasons you're leaving - she's threatening to leave and creating instability for you, and 20k is a lot of money.

  74. Anonymous

    It sounds like a toxic environment and one you're better off leaving. Perhaps your departure will motivate your boss to leave as well. Either way, congratulations on the new opportunity and I hope its everything you're looking for!

  75. Anonymous

    I would still leave.
    If there is no value in making you want to stay for yourself why do it for someone else? You say no and then she ends up leaving and you stay and you are miserable. I’m realizing that some people do more for others than they would do for themselves and that’s not okay.

  76. Lara Ivey Kauchak

    Congratulations! Don't look back

  77. Steph Reiley

    You need to take care of yourself. I think it's very likely she will leave sometime soon. I would take the position if you're excited about it beyond just the jump in salary.

  78. Anonymous

    Sounds like your boss needs to make some changes.

    But her issues are not your issues.

    Congrats on your offer. You need to serve as inspiration to your boss.

  79. Anonymous

    The only thing you need to do is thank her. From what you have said here it is apparent that she should not be anyone's boss. An actual professional knows not to vent to their team. How confident do you feel working for someone who isn't able to do their job? She is the boss who cried "wolf" and now wants you to say no to $20k. Ask yourself- would she give up $20k to make sure you stay happy? If the answer is yes then maybe you should stay but if the answer is no, run far and fast.

  80. SLT

    Run very fast.

    I seriously doubt she'd stay if she had a way out. I could be wrong, but...

  81. S.

    I say it was definitely your time to go, not really hers. That thought was planted in your mind, you went out there, got a new role paying $20K more, and that's now your success story!

  82. Anonymous

    I am in a similar position to your boss and still think you should take care of yourself. She needs to do the same and sometimes being pushed even harder is the only way to make those of us with poor work boundaries realize we need a change.

  83. Leader135412

    When you go, hopefully she'll get the incentive to act. It's only a job, maybe hell.

  84. Melissa Boillot, SHRM - SCP

    Leaving a boss that you are close to can be difficult but you have to take care of yourself. As a leader I always wanted to keep my team, even for internal promotions, but I never voiced those desires because that would have been immensely selfish. As a leader you must champion your people, whether that be new challenges, more money or better balance. You.go.girl!

  85. christine hofilena

    congratulations!! You should support her to look for another job if she is in the verge of losing her mind:-)

  86. Anonymous

    Hi! I've been that boss before. As a supervisor, it's your responsibility to control your emotions as part of the way you support your team and hold the team together. While it's devastating when your good team members leave, they should have not said anything in the first place unless they were giving you a heads up to leave.

  87. Anonymous

    Take the job!

  88. Traci Fellers Seils

    Your responsibility is to yourself and your family first.
    Make the best decision for you, no matter how it impacts your boss. It's great to have a friendly working relationship with a boss, but an extra $20K could have a positive impact on your life, especially with the current economic times.

  89. Anonymous

    Run. Take the new job, and don't look back!

  90. Anonymous

    Take the role. It will increase your value in the workplace and set you up for better opportunities in the future. She will find her way.

  91. Anonymous

    If you stayed because she is staying, what's to say she won't decide a month from now that it really IS too overwhelming and quit anyway?

  92. Anonymous

    My boss's job is changing, his boss's is too. Don't know what that means fully and I honestly think he doesn't know yet. I have a 50/50 chance I think of keeping him or getting this less than desirable guy. Lots of stuff but mainly there are major cost saving efforts across an over 100k employee enterprise. I don't know if I get to keep my job either but I'm trying to just focus on what I can control. And I snagged a work from home afternoon today. Hoping to relax this weekend.

    Good luck OP! Suspect more layoffs and reorgs in this economy. Best wishes for us all!

  93. Sara

    How’s the saying go? “It’s not personal, it’s business.” Take the new job, enjoy the extra money. One constant about business is that the people never stay forever. What if you stay and in a few months she actually does go? I know I’d be mad for losing out on that 20k pay raise. Plus, who’s to say you don’t move to your new job and a position great for her opens - maybe you’re there to help her get her foot in the door…

  94. Franziska Petermann

    If you are excited about the new role and the very nice pay bump, take the new job. It reads like this is a promotion for you. You don't know when another opportunity like this will come around again. And while I totally understand your feelings towards your current boss, you should not give up an opportunity that will allow to get ahead. That being said - if you like where you work and they can match the pay raise, you can consider staying. But it also sounds like your current place is actually understaffed leading to your boss feeling overwhelmed. So definitely consider that. And also think about how you would feel if you stayed for her and she ends up leaving in a few months. Be sure to leave on good terms. And you can always offer to be available for questions once you have left to ease her into your departure (within in reason, though, and not for an indefinite amount of time).

    In the end - you need to watch out for yourself and what is in your best interest.

  95. lyn johnson

    Take the new job. Maybe it will be the impetus your boss needs to change her life as well.

  96. Mary

    Take the job. My guess is she would not stay for you. Not w/a 20k raise.

  97. Anonymous

    She changing her mind is not your fault. Look after your career.

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members